REVIEW: Hollywood Bowl in Tower Park

As a busy parent, finding fun activities that the whole family can enjoy can be a challenge. Following the recent refurbishment of Hollywood Bowl at Tower Park, I thought it would be a great activity to try out on a grey day. That's exactly what we did - and I can't believe it's taken us this long to finally discover an activity that all of us can get involved in!

An Introduction to Family Bowling

Bowling has been a popular pastime for decades and is a great way for families to spend time together. Not only is it fun but it also promotes teamwork and healthy competition. Family bowling is a variant of traditional bowling that is designed to be more accessible and enjoyable for children and families. It typically features lighter balls, shorter lanes, and bumpers to prevent gutter balls.

We visited Hollywood Bowl in Tower Park and the whole thing was such an easy and fun experience. There's plentiful parking on site and the kids were really excited when they could see the big bright Hollywood-style logo the anticipation continued to build as we walked through the building, up the stairs with all the vibrant and Hollywood-style decor - and they just loved the selfie opportunity just before entering the bowling complex.

Features and Amenities of Hollywood Bowl's Family Tenpin Bowling

We were greeted very warmly by the friendly staff who explained the process (bowling shoes are no longer needed if you have trainers on - just goes to show how long it's been since I went bowling!), so within 5 minutes we were in our lane ready to roll!            

One of the standout features of Hollywood Bowl's Family Tenpin Bowling is the use of lighter balls which made it much easier for the kids to handle. Additionally, bumpers are available to prevent gutter balls and keep the game moving as smoothly as it can with a 5 and 2-year-old in tow. Hollywood Bowl also offers ramps to help children who may have difficulty rolling the ball down the lane.

The alleys are brightly lit and decorated with colourful graphics, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere - the kids were so excited by it all!

They did lose a bit of attention halfway through our game, but Hollywood Bowl clearly knows this is the norm with young children, and just at the right time their Giant Mouse wondered over offering free sweets and little accessories for the kids - that certainly powered them through the rest of the game!

They weren't ready to leave, so we decided to stay for dinner. We honestly didn't have high expectations for the food as that's not their main feature. The menu was limited but it was really high quality and absolutely delicious. My husband and I had the Aberdeen Angus, bacon cheeseburger which I actually thought was much better than a nearby dedicated burger chain (I'll say no more) - and half the price! The kids had nuggets and a burger; very generous portions and just what they needed after all the excitement!

Pricing and Packages for Family Bowling at Hollywood Bowl

The current cost of family bowling at Hollywood Bowl in Tower Park is £23.75. They offer a range of packages and deals to make it more affordable for families. For example, they offer off-peak rates during the week and have special promotions during school holidays. They also have a Family Deal which includes two games of bowling for four people, a sharing platter, and a drink pitcher.

I highly recommend Hollywood Bowl's Family Tenpin Bowling for families looking for a fun and accessible activity. The use of lighter balls and bumpers makes it much easier for children to participate, and the atmosphere is fun and welcoming. With a range of deals and promotions available, it's also an affordable option for families. So why not strike up some fun and give it a try?

Tips for Enjoying Family Bowling at Hollywood Bowl

If you're planning on taking your family bowling at Hollywood Bowl, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

• Book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during peak times
• Take advantage of any deals or promotions available to save money
• Arrive early to get a good lane and avoid the busiest times
• Where trainers or pumps to avoid having to hire bowling shoes
• Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks to save money to spend on more games and the arcade

To find out more or to book tickets please visit their website here.